Johnson playfully sent a messenger to the D-backs' clubhouse at Scottsdale Stadium to seek out Jackson before the game for payment on a wager involving a game between USC and California. Johnson attended USC, and Jackson went to Cal.

"I wanted my money, or he was going to have a rough at-bat," Johnson said.

"That's why I swung at the first pitch," said Jackson, who singled to right field.

Johnson called Jackson the D-backs' best hitter, and he also was complimentary of reserve catcher Miguel Montero, who grounded out to Johnson in his lone at-bat in the exhibition game after catching 20 of Johnson's 31 starts last season.

"I like him. That's why he caught me. He's a good catcher. He's eager to learn. He listened to me. I don't know everything. I don't claim that. But he wanted to learn," Johnson said. "I think if he were to play every day, he would hit 25 home runs, bat .265, .270 and probably have 65, 70 RBIs. He's that good of a hitter."